Crunchy Homemade Namkeen: A Delicious Indian Snack Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of Gram flour (Besan)
1/4 cup of Rice flour
1/4 teaspoon of Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of Carom seeds (Ajwain)
1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric powder (Haldi)
1/2 teaspoon of Red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon of Black pepper powder
1/2 teaspoon of Garam masala powder
2 tablespoons of Hot oil
Water as required
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Steps and instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the gram flour, rice flour, baking soda, carom seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, garam masala powder, and salt.
Add the hot oil to the dry mixture and mix it thoroughly. The oil will help to make the Namkeen crispy.
Gradually add water and knead to make a stiff dough. The dough should not be too soft or too hard.
Heat the oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into it. The dough should come up steadily and not rapidly.
Take a small portion of the dough and place it in a sev maker machine. Using the machine, press the dough and drop it in the hot oil.
Fry the sev on medium heat until it turns golden brown and crispy. Make sure to stir continuously to ensure even cooking.
Remove the sev with a slotted spoon and drain it on kitchen paper to remove the excess oil.
Let the Namkeen cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. The Namkeen will become crispier as it cools down.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients.
Sev Maker Machine - A kitchen tool used to press the dough and make thin strands of Namkeen.
Deep Frying Pan - A pan with high sides to hold the oil for frying.
Slotted Spoon - A utensil with holes to remove the fried Namkeen from the oil.
Kitchen Paper - Paper towel or absorbent paper to drain excess oil from the fried Namkeen.
Airtight Container - A container with a tight-fitting lid to store the Namkeen and keep it fresh and crispy.

Recipe variations

Adding crushed black pepper or paprika for a spicier version
Using chickpea flour (besan) instead of gram flour for a slightly different flavor
Adding crushed dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for an additional layer of flavor
Incorporating finely chopped fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a refreshing twist
Including roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch and nutty flavor
Replacing the carom seeds with cumin seeds (jeera) or fennel seeds (saunf) for a different taste
Using a blend of different flours such as corn flour, wheat flour, and semolina (sooji) for a unique texture
Adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for enhanced aroma
Experimenting with different spices such as chaat masala, amchur powder (dried mango powder), or kasoori methi for varied flavors
For a healthier version, baking the namkeen in the oven instead of deep frying

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Namkeen recipe page. Namkeen is a popular Indian savory snack made from gram flour, rice flour, and a mix of flavorful spices. The recipe we've featured here is a simple and traditional one, but the result is a crunchy, tangy, and spicy snack that is loved by all. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making Namkeen from scratch. You'll start by preparing a stiff dough with the flours, spices, hot oil, and water. Then, using a sev maker machine, you'll press the dough into hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy. The end product is a delicious snack that's perfect for any time of the day. This recipe requires a little bit of effort and patience during the frying process to ensure even cooking, but trust us, the result is absolutely worth it. So let's get started and make some delicious Namkeen!

Common questions

Can I use any other flour instead of gram flour?
Yes, you can try using chickpea flour as a substitute for gram flour.
Do I need to use a sev maker machine?
No, you can also use a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle to make the sev. Simply pipe the dough directly into the hot oil.
Can I reduce the amount of spice used in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.
How long does the Namkeen stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, the Namkeen can stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
Can I reuse the frying oil?
It is recommended to discard the frying oil after one use to maintain the quality and taste of the Namkeen.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients and knead the dough.
Sev Maker Machine - A kitchen gadget used to shape the namkeen dough into thin strands or sev.
Deep Frying Pan - A wide and deep pan for frying the namkeen.
Slotted Spoon - A spoon with slots or holes to drain the fried namkeen from the oil.
Kitchen Paper - Absorbent paper used to drain excess oil from the fried namkeen.
Airtight Container - A container with a tight-fitting lid to store the namkeen and keep it fresh and crispy.

Origin stories

Namkeen, a term that originates from the Hindi word 'Namkin', means salty or savory. This popular Indian snack has been a part of Indian culture for centuries. The art of making Namkeen was traditionally passed down through generations in Indian families, each adding their own variation to the recipe. One interesting bit of trivia is that in many Indian households, Namkeen is not just a snack but an essential part of daily meals. Served as a side dish in lunch or dinner, or simply enjoyed with a cup of hot chai, it shapes the rhythm of everyday life. Namkeen is also a staple during festive occasions. A variety of Namkeens, each representing local ingredients and regional flavors, is prepared during festivals, reflecting the diversity and culinary richness of India.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.